Penicillin are the most prescribed group of antibiotics, and delayed rashes are frequently reported in children.
About 80% people will lose their penicillin allergy if they avoid the drug for 10 years. However, a patient with the “penicillin allergic label” consequently the optimal antibiotic treatment would be denied and more likely will be prescribed a less effective alternative, more expensive and usually associated with more side effects.
Therefore penicillin allergy testing should be performed routinely in patients with self-reported penicillin allergy. The evaluation performed by an allergist/ immunologist specialist requires an initial skin testing, followed by an oral challenge.
Allergies to pets are caused by protein found in the animal’s dander (dead skin cells), saliva or urine. For birds, many people are allergic to the excreta. The proteins from pets are carried on microscopic particles through the air. When inhaled, they trigger reactions in allergic people. As all dogs and cats possess these proteins, none of them is allergy-free. Though some breeds are considered more allergy-friendly, it is likely because they are groomed more frequently, a process that removes much of the dander. It is a common misconception that people are allergic to a dog or cat’s hair, and it is falsely believed that an animal that sheds less will not cause a reaction.
Pollen is the male fertilizing agent of flowering plants, trees, grasses and weeds. It is also a major allergen that causes symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever)*. Weather conditions affect pollen levels. For instance, wind and humidity may affect pollen counts. Because pollen are small, light and dry, they can be easily spread by wind, which keeps pollen airborne and carries it over long distances. When the air is humid, such as during or after it rains, pollen becomes damp and heavy with moisture, keeping it still and on the ground. Allergy symptoms are often minimal on days that are rainy, cloudy or windless, because pollen does not move about during these conditions. Hot, dry and windy weather signals greater pollen and mold distribution and therefore, increased allergy symptoms.
Pollen from plants with bright flowers, such as roses, usually does not trigger allergies. These large, waxy pollen are carried from plant to plant by bees and other insects. On the other hand, many trees, grasses and low-growing weeds have small, light, dry pollen that are well-suited for dissemination by wind currents. These are the pollens that trigger allergy symptoms.
Pruritus is the medical term for “itching”. While almost everyone has experienced itchy skin, people with skin allergies such as atopic dermatitis (eczema)* are more prone to develop pruritus. Symptoms can range from being mildly irritating to disabling. The term for this very serious form is intractable pruritus.
